Visiting Shedd Aquarium with Toddlers

The Shedd Aquarium is one of several fantastic attractions located along Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. The Shedd hosts a large array of aquatic animals and fish presented in a way that allows you to get up close and personal. We chose to visit the Shedd Aquarium with toddlers , specifically with our adorable nephews and family. As with anywhere you go with toddlers it can take some planning ahead so we have compiled some helpful information for visiting the Shedd Aquarium with toddlers or other small children. Tip number one, make sure you book your tickets online. Otherwise on a busy day you can find yourself waiting outside in long lines for entry which is awful even without toddlers. Tickets can be booked on their website Here.

Stroller Accessibility

One major factor to consider when visiting the Shedd Aquarium with toddlers is the need for strollers. You may choose to forgo bringing it but the Shedd is a big place and you may regret it. The Shedd is moderately accommodating to strollers. They have plenty of elevators and large ones at that. They do however also have a lot spaces that have stairs as their direct route and elevators much farther away. We had a good group of fully able adults and often found  it easier to just have two people pick the stroller up on each side and carry them down rather then seek out the elevators. Depending on who you go with however, this obviously may not be possible. A few areas do not allow you to bring the strollers in such as the show area and stingray petting area but they provide instead places for parking them up.

The Aquatic Show

Going in we were unsure how much of the aquatic show the toddlers were going to be able to sit through. I am happy to share that they made it through the entire show and even seemed to enjoy it. This was  of particular concern given that one of my nephews has vision difficulties. Between the large video screens and the animals jumping out the water the show went well and the adults additionally enjoyed it.

Play Areas

We found several play areas that the kids enjoyed. The first is a little off the beaten track in that you have to walk out a gate in the food court outdoor seating to reach it. Don’t worry you can get back in through the gate. Just outside of it is a lovely plant and water feature that my nephew enjoyed exploring. This additionally leads you to a grassy area where you can relax away from the crowds and enjoy more skyline views , watching the boaters and bikers go by or some excellent wrestle time with your Uncle. My nephew additionally enjoyed the submarine play area which is down by the underwater whale viewing areas. He enjoyed it so much he was upset to leave it in usual toddler style.

Lunch

When visiting the Shedd with toddlers, food is going to be a major priority. They have a food court style dining area that offers the usual fare for the extra cost you would expect from this kind of attraction.  They have indoor and outdoor seating. If the weather cooperates the outdoor seating is by far the best with its fantastic Chicago Skyline views. If you do not want the expense you could bring in food. They do search your bags at entry but we didn’t have a problem bringing snacks in.

Enjoying the Animals

The main draw to bringing toddlers to the Shedd aquarium or bringing anyone there for that matter is of course the animals.  Whales and dolphins and other aquatic animals that you don’t see anywhere else are there for up close and personal viewing. There are also several ponds where you can touch sea creatures such as stingrays , star fish and a river fish, which is a really unique experience. The way the aquariums are situated, most with glass all the way to the floor is perfect for toddler visitors who can sit or stand right up against the glass to see them. The Shedd offers the opportunity to see animals not found in zoos and as land mammals ourselves we have little opportunity to see in the wild. That is what makes it so special.

We had a lovely day at the Shedd Aquarium with our family. Visiting the Shedd Aquarium with toddlers is made relatively stress free and positive for all involved. We definitely reccomend it for all ages to enjoy this Iconic Chicago attraction and we hope that we have assisted you to plan your visit with the toddlers in your life.

To see more Animals in or around Chicago check out our post here.